Courage to Transform
“Sometimes we have to look at ourselves in the mirror and say ‘I love you,’ ‘you are smart,’ ‘you are worthy of love and acceptance…’”
I thought it appropriate to introduce my first blog by exploring the concept of courage. On a personal note, I feel like courage has played a huge part in my journey to arrive right here with you contemplating a new opportunity for growth. I would applaud you at this moment because it takes a lot of courage to be willing to dive in and admit that we deserve support, healing, love, change, etc. As it took a lot of courage to manifest a platform where I can offer support, healing, change, etc.
Courage is a phenomenon that has persevered through the millenniums. Historic literature, cave art, and ancient relics are proof of the timeless reverence for courage. Nonetheless, regardless of the continuous examples of courageous acts, researchers still remark on the elements that shape “courage.” How does the general public describe it? What compels people to do courageous acts?
The origin of the word “courage” comes from the Latin word “cor” or “heart.” The word itself is rooted in the heart. A courageous individual is willing to ignore the logical warning signs—avoid danger=avoid harm=self-preservation. So when someone acts courageously, he/she is actively ignoring the mind’s rational warnings of potential danger—and is thus acting in a way that goes against preserving one’s own physical life. Spiritual teacher, Osho, (1999) said, “The heart is always ready to take the risk, the heart is a gambler. The head is a businessman. The head always calculates—it is cunning” (p. 7). Thus, courage originates in the heart. It re-orients us to life. Courage brings us out of our head and into our bodies, which can be a disorienting experience for a pragmatic and civilized individual.
Courage is a building phenomenon. It is not quick, but instead it swells within us. It can become so thunderous that we may not be able ignore the heart’s en[courage]ment to act. Courage is the recognition that it is more authentic to be true to one’s heart—or purpose—than one’s mind—or logic. Courage is the willingness to step outside of our planned, mundane tasks and is an opportunity to “go with your gut.” It’s doing something because it feels right, not because someone told you to. Courage is abandoning your (or someone else’s) “should” and surrendering to your purpose.
With courage, someone—or something—is on the receiving end. This thing/person is often our concrete motivation for courage. We manifest courage in order to protect, maintain, or discover who or what this thing is. For example, I was speaking with a friend about courage and she exclaimed,
“Courage is basically those crazy moments in life when YOU are suddenly not the most important factor in the equation.”
Courage is our heart’s expression of love to another.
However, the other is not always another person. It can be a gesture towards ourselves. It sometimes is looking at ourselves in the mirror and saying, “I love you,” “you are smart,” “you are worthy of love and acceptance…” It can also be a cause, a belief, or a choice. Having the courage to be hopeful and believe large scale change is possible. The “other” being the belief that transformation is achievable. Courage creates closeness, empathy, and togetherness with the thing/person we are choosing courage for. These are examples of a quieter courage, that is talked about less in literature and movies. In these private and courageous moments, one still senses courage’s brightly burning fire. No one may know that you made the courageous choice, however, the external world can sense that something changed—a transformation took place.
Therefore, I invite you to embrace this courageous path you are currently embarking upon, follow your heart, and let your expression of courage allow you to change, appreciate, and receive. These courageous acts open the possibility for growth and acceptance. So join me, as we embark upon this courageous new journey together. I know, it feels risky, scary and vulnerable. But without the presence of fear, the act would not be courageous, it would be just another ordinary day. It becomes extraordinary and courageous because there are obstacles to overcome. Courage invites discomfort, trial, loss, and growth. So let’s embrace it, and remember that we are in it together!